What to wear for Family Pictures outside

Let's face it, picking an outfit for the family is hard enough when especially when you don’t have an event, let say… like family pictures!

Keep in mind two things:

1. You do not have to be a fashionista

2. You do not necessarily all have to go buy brand new clothes

What to wear for family pictures outside; Be comfortable and be yourself.

First and foremost, I always tell my clients just wear what is comfortable. Nerves may start to fizz (completely normal). Do not wear heels. Can you imagine hiking up a trail with a 2 year old? I don’t mean to just wear sneakers, but clean pair of converse (or something similar) will look like you are comfortable, yet clean and will age well in photos. However, if you are the fabulous diva who wears heels and that is your thing, just make sure you bring an extra set of comfy walking shoes.

Be Confident

Please please please PLEASE wear something you are confident in. For me I have my go to high wasted jeans. What is your version? It may be an off the shoulder sweater, or for some it may be just be a basic tee.

Match your outfit to the season and location

If you are going to wear a little sundress on a cold winter day, the viewer might wonder and feel sorry for you, versus if you were to wear a sweater on a beautiful fall day, the story will make sense. Remember we are collaborating to tell your story, so let's make this right! Think through your clothing choices with comfort level and your surroundings because the main idea is to capture the authentic you!

Color Palette

I always gravitate towards earthy tones. Doing this will age nicely and at the same time we can keep a perfect amount of style. Avoid picking primary colors with too many bright patterns. Since we are doing a photoshoot outdoors utilizing light and nature, we want to feel like we are part of it. Try to lean towards muted or “softer” tones. Primary colors are striking, but it can take away from the main subject. I can go on and on about color scheming, however this article is not a lesson on the color wheel. So, I tried to simplify it as much as I can.

Here are two ways you can try to color scheme your outfits:

1. Analogous

2. Monochromatic

I think this calls for another blog post to go in depth about color scheming but let us focus on Monochromatic. (Those of you who know color theory awesome!)

Here is the Wikipedia's definition:

Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tones, tints and shade) of a single hue

Daunting yet? Still dont know what to wear for family pictures outside? When in doubt, go for earthy-like muted or "softer" hue and the shades, tones and tints from it. For example you can use blue as the color and use monochromatic theory from there. Here is an example:

Here are two articles that explains monochromatic and analogous color theory more in depth through graphic design and interior design. Color theory applies across all disciplines, even in fashion design!

https://www.vectornator.io/blog/monochromatic-colors/

https://uxplanet.org/how-to-use-analogous-color-scheme-in-design-bf32d18ab05c

Compliment each other, don't match each other. You want to look like you belong in the same group, but at the same time you do not want to be so "match match". Although it is adorable when siblings wear the same exact outfit, trust me on this one...You do not want to be "that" parent who made their kids wear the same exact thing. (Let's also avoid those mommy and me matching dresses). Utilize the advice of analogous/monochromatic and matching the season/location to thoughtfully find outfits for everybody.

Logos and Patterns

Try to avoid them. Logos are trendy and you want these photos be timeless. Patterns? Try to avoid really loud ones. Remember anything too loud will take away from the subject. Something subtle is nice. A peach colored linen top with small floral pattern will go nicely with a cream colored top your husband can wear. Stay away from nike swooshes.

Finishing Touches

When they say photographs wash people out, this true. Makeup is totally your call, however a general rule of thumb is to apply a tad bit heavier than you normally would. If you need recommendations for make up hair read this blog here! (Tip - Michelle and Kim will come to you and they are mothers themselves so they understand the chaotic world). Hair again is totally your call. I am a sucker for hair thrown in the wind, but always keep in mind matching your location. Nails…. Keep them trimmed and clean if you are not a nail polish type of person. Once you see dirty nails in photos you can not unsee them. Lastly, no wrinkly clothes. Another visual you can not unsee once you see it.

That is it! These are tips over the years I gave my families, and I hope it was useful. At the end of the day, this is not a rule, it is a general guide and helpful tips from my perspective. This is your shoot, so let us make this happen!

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